Dementia in Dogs » A Guide

When your older dog becomes forgetful and restless.

At a glance

What is it?: Age-related decline in brain function, also called cognitive dysfunction.
Typical signs: Disorientation, restlessness at night, house soiling, less interest in contact and play.
Commonly affected: Older dogs.
Course: Gradually progressive; dementia cannot be cured.

Reading time 6 minutes Senior dogs

Interactive Symptom Check

Select the symptoms you observe in your dog. You will immediately receive an initial assessment. This tool does not replace veterinary advice!

Please select symptoms

You will immediately receive an assessment.

When should you see a vet?

Changes in behaviour in an older dog should always be investigated. Go to the vet straight away if:

the behaviour changes suddenly rather than gradually,
your dog has seizures, walks in circles or can no longer walk properly,
they stop eating or drinking or seem very listless.

Cognitive dysfunction, often called dementia, is an age-related decline in brain function. It develops gradually and shows, for example, as disorientation, restlessness at night or house soiling. It cannot be cured. Because other diseases can look similar, behavior changes in older dogs should always be checked by a vet.

What is dementia in dogs?

The brain changes with age. In some dogs, this goes well beyond normal aging. This is then called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). In some respects it resembles Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

How do you recognize dementia?

Orientation: Your dog seems confused, gets stuck in corners or can’t find the door.
Sleep: Your dog sleeps more during the day and is restless at night, wanders around or barks.
Contact: Your dog shows less interest in play and petting or reacts differently to familiar people.
House-training: Your dog suddenly has accidents in the house.
Activity: Your dog seems listless or repeats the same routines over and over.

How does the vet diagnose dementia?

There is no single test. The vet rules out other causes, such as pain, loss of vision or hearing, thyroid disease or neurological problems. This requires a thorough examination, blood values and sometimes imaging. The vet discusses with you which treatment may be an option.

What you can do in everyday life

Fixed routines for meals, walks and sleep provide stability.
Leave the furniture as unchanged as possible and secure stairs.
Short, familiar walks and simple search and sniffing games keep the mind active.
A quiet sleeping place with a dim night light can help with orientation at night.
Give your dog frequent chances to relieve itself outside, and above all lots of patience.

Frequently asked questions about Dementia

Isn’t this just normal ageing?

Some changes are part of getting older, but dementia goes well beyond that. Pain, thyroid disease or neurological problems can also look similar, so it is worth having it investigated.

How is dementia diagnosed?

Through a thorough examination, often with blood tests or imaging, to rule out other causes.

Why is my dog so restless at night?

A shifted sleep-wake rhythm is a typical sign. A quiet sleeping place with a dim night light can help them find their bearings.

How can I help my dog day to day?

Fixed routines, a safe environment, short familiar walks, simple search games and frequent opportunities to go outside give them stability. Above all, they need lots of patience.

More about nutrients in a dog’s diet Our ingredient glossary explains 43 ingredients from Agaricus to zinc.

To the ingredient glossary

Veterinary expertise at the heart of our team

Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott has been part of our team at DOG FIT by PreThis^® from the very beginning. As an experienced vet, she supports our work professionally and contributes her knowledge of dog health. Her experience and her deep understanding of dogs’ needs are an important guide for us. She is a valuable treasure for our team and for the well-being of many dogs.

This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.